Crayola Experience Orlando - Review

Tickets were provided to enjoy this experience.
 
We went to Crayola Experience yesterday and all four of my kids had a blast! We actually went last summer, but my twins were only 1 then and really couldn't do a ton. They loved the play area, but trying to contain them was difficult with their newly acquired skill of running. This year there was much more for them to do. My twins ran in excitedly yelling "color, color!" They grabbed the first marker coloring area they could find.

My older two kids are 10&7 and right away they settled into the coloring table. I took the twins to the toddler play area which they love. They especially loved the huge light up display like a gigantic lite brite.

 We all did drip art and the crayon mold.  My twins were so happy about their car and shark crayon.  They also enjoyed the chalk and dry erase section where they could write on the walls, floor, characters (puppy was their favorite). 

There was plenty to do to keep them busy for hours.  Think of it like the ultimate craft day.  All those crafts that you are meaning to do at home, but it takes time, you need supplies, the mess, clean up etc may keep you from getting to it.  The kids can do any kind of craft or art you can think of.  Coloring, markers, crayons, digital art, origami, painting, molding, cutting, etc.  My boys threw a tantrum when I finally said we needed to leave the painting section.  It's SO hard being 2!  The amount of time you will spend all depends on how long your little ones will want to spend on the various projects.  My older 2 spent almost an hour coloring their dragon that they took to a computer and brought to life and coloring a dolphin.  My twins won't sit still for that long, but they enjoyed the play areas and sat for awhile to paint. 

Here is a map of the main area for activities.

I think for the older two the Adventure Lab was one of their favorites.  It is new and not listed on the map.  It's where the paint palette is listed.  You get a tablet and it leads you to three different areas inside to complete a puzzle or mission.  They must have completed 3-5 missions each.

Everything inside is included except for the personalized crayons and the model magic.  You get 2 tokens with each ticket to spend on the model magic or creating your own crayon label.  We even got two coins for the twins who were free because they are under 3.  They loved the model magic.

We happened to be there during the Clearwater Marine Aquarium presentation/event.  My daughter and son stopped to learn about Otters.  They were both given a plush Sea Turtle which was a nice surprise.

I think Crayola Experience is great for kids of all ages.  My kids ages 2-10 were quite happy to spend most of the day there.  There was plenty to keep them busy.  Plus it's a much slower go at your own pace than nearby theme parks.  I will say that it is most cost efficient to get a year pass if you live nearby.  It's only a few dollars more than the ticket cost.

Are you planning on going?  If so SAVE $4 OFF General Admission to Crayola Experience when purchased online via this link.

Ps. My 10yr old took several of the pictures included in this post. 

Groupon has Coupons!

Posts may be sponsored or contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

I love Groupon.  I've tried new places that I may not have known about if it weren't for Groupon and have gotten great deals.  With 4 kids now every little bit helps.  It's not cheap going out and doing things as a family.  I recently found out that Groupon now has Coupons for SO many stores and businesses.  I try to remember to look for coupons before I check out somewhere.  Now I can check Groupon.  I can't tell you how many times I've thought to check for coupons before checking out and saved money on shipping or items I was already going to spend money on.   

These are just SOME of the places that have coupons.  

School is coming soon (too soon for this teacher) and my kids need new shoes.  I was shopping Famous Footwear  and got a great deal (buy 1 get one 50% and Free Shipping) on good quality shoes for my kids.  I need to buy 4 pairs now!  Plus shoes for me. Thank goodness for sales and deals and Groupon Coupons!

I do most of my shopping online because taking 4 kids (twin 18mos olds) is not usually very fun.  It starts with trying to find a double cart.  Twin Mom problems.  If I do go in store I prefer places like Target.  Groupon Coupon has 63 Target coupons listed. I don't even think that includes all the cartwheel deals.  I love getting amazing deals at Target.

It even has coupons for Amazon!  Let's just say.  I buy a TON on Amazon.  I'm pretty sure we get an Amazon package every week or more.  We love Amazon SO much that we even used it while out of town on vacation.  We learned they deliver to Amazon lockers and we could pick up items needed (not available in stores close by) near our hotel.  It was awesome!

If you are shopping for anything, check out Groupon Coupons before you go or check out to save some $$$.

25% off Label Daddy labels!

This post is sponsored.  All opinions are my own.

Get ready for camp and save 25% on Label Daddy peel and stick custom name labels!

I love these!   I have some I purchased before for my two older kids. Yes,  older kids....we had babies. Not one,  but two.   Twins!   My boys are almost 4 months old.  We need labels now more than ever.

Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! No ironing or sewing . . . just peel and stick. Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. These convenient labels are great for adults too! -- Put them on your sunglass/eyeglass case, phone, camera, sports equipment, tablet, e-reader, hats, clothing, and more.

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.

Save 25% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code FUNFAM25 at checkout. http://www.funfam25.labeldaddy.com/

Tampa ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camp 55% off

S.T.E.A.M. education: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math!

ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camps Now Enrolling - Where Fun, Thinking & Learning comes to Life!
www.ROBOTS-4-U.com @Robots4U - Facebook.com/Robots4Usummercamp

Campers having a BLAST, while learning and playing in a dynamic environment. Learning about Robotics and Science, in an independent and exciting way!
Visit www.ROBOTS-4-U.com to see dates and locations for these day camps.

- Robot / Science / Engineering / Day Camp / Challenges

- Camps Girls and Boys - Aged 7 to 14

- Robot Camps and Dynamic Art Camps offered during June, July and August

- Hands on Learning, Self-Paced. Beginners to Expert!

KEY INFORMATION

- 1 week (5 days) long

- Days: Monday to Friday Times: 9:00-11:30a.m. and 12:30-3:00 p.m.

- CAMPERS RATIO: 1 Instructor to 16 participants
-Register early as camps do fill up quickly!

- Each Camper Individually uses a ROBOTICS or DYNAMIC ART Kit. Robot kits do not go home with campers but are available for purchase!

MY READERS RECEIVE 55% Off Robotics Science Summer Camps! Code: USFTAM604 www.ROBOTS-4-U.com .@usfg #robots4u

55% off Robotics Science Summer Camp Orlando

S.T.E.A.M. education: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math!

ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camps Now Enrolling - Where Fun, Thinking & Learning comes to Life!
www.ROBOTS-4-U.com @Robots4U - Facebook.com/Robots4Usummercamp

Campers having a BLAST, while learning and playing in a dynamic environment. Learning about Robotics and Science, in an independent and exciting way!
Visit www.ROBOTS-4-U.com to see dates and locations for these day camps.

- Robot / Science / Engineering / Day Camp / Challenges

- Camps Girls and Boys - Aged 7 to 14

- Robot Camps and Dynamic Art Camps offered during June, July and August

- Hands on Learning, Self-Paced. Beginners to Expert!

KEY INFORMATION

- 1 week (5 days) long

- Days: Monday to Friday Times: 9:00-11:30a.m. and 12:30-3:00 p.m.

- CAMPERS RATIO: 1 Instructor to 16 participants
-Register early as camps do fill up quickly!

- Each Camper Individually uses a ROBOTICS or DYNAMIC ART Kit. Robot kits do not go home with campers but are available for purchase!

MY READERS RECEIVE 55% Off Robotics Science Summer Camps! Code: ORL201664 www.ROBOTS-4-U.com .@usfg #robots4u

Save 20% on Label Daddy labels for Back to School!

I'm so excited to try out Label Daddy Labels.  You see, my daughter's school has a very strict uniform policy.  We bought her a nice uniform jacket at the beginning of the year that was allowed to be worn on the rare cold Florida days.  Yes, you read that right.  I said "a" jacket.  How many do we need in Florida anyway?  I'm an elementary music teacher.  I should have known better.  My sweet daughter lost her one jacket early in the 3 week cold season.  Oops.  We looked everywhere in lost and found piles and could not find it.  I was smart enough to write her name on the tag, but it wasn't enough info for the jacket to make it back to her classroom.  Thankfully, we found a sweater for her to use.

This year, I'm getting more than one jacket and I'm going to try label daddy labels so we don't lose that precious jacket.  It does get really cold during those 3 weeks.

Great Teacher gift idea!

 

I found this idea on Pinterest and on this blog. 

Right now Totsy has these 16oz tumblers with straws for only $3.75  They have bigger ones for $5.

 

I'm glad that I found something that I can afford to get all the teachers that work with my kids at school/daycare.  I'm a specials teacher and I very rarely get gifts from students, but when I do it is SO sweet that they remembered me.  I love this idea and hope the teachers do too. 

Get Free Books from Dolly Parton

Have you signed up your child to receive free books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?  If not, do it here!  :) 

I signed up my kids a couple months ago and they both got the book "The little Engine that Could" for their book.  My son LOVES trains, so it was perfect and they both have their own copy.

They just got their 2nd book today.  Bubby got "Road Work Ahead."  Another perfect choice for him...it's trucks and cars!

 Sissy got "What's the Big Idea Molly?"

 

Check to see if it is available in your area and register your children ages 0-5.    

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Books a Million Summer Sale

The only bookstore (or bookshop as Sissy calls it) left in our city is Books a Million. It's like our toy store. My kids love books.

We went today for their Summer Sale.


We are a sucker for book sales too. Clearance Buy 2 Get 1...yes please.

Bubby has one of these hide n seek books and it's one of his favorites!


So...guess what we took home today.

We've been going to the library a lot this summer too. Sissy is really starting to pick up on reading, so we've been checking out books on her level. She still has another year to go before Kindergarten, so she's doing really well.

Happy Reading!

Max & Ruby, Doodle Bops, Choo-choo Soul in Concert @ Seaworld

SeaWorld is having a Just for Kids Festival this month!  They have some awesome concert that I know my daughter would LOVE...my son would too (he is my little musician).

Enjoy Just for Kids Saturdays, January 14 - February 4.

Concert times: 11 am and 2 pm.

• January 14 - LazyTown Live on Stage
• January 21 - Max & Ruby's Musical Playdate
• January 28 - Doodlebops' Musical Playdate
• February 4 - Choo-Choo Soul

Concerts are included with park admission and seating will be limited. 

Seating is limited so...we better get there early.  Don't forget kids 5 and under are FREE!  Plus teachers are FREE. 

100th day of School items $1

I saw some 100th day of school items for $1 at Target. I know several of our teachers celebrate the 100th day of school especially Kindergarten. I don't really get to because I'm a specials teacher.


They had headbands/hats the kids can color and I think they come in sets of 20.  They also had different kinds of bookmarks.  If you celebrate the 100th day of school, be sure to check out your Target.  There wasn't a lot of stuff there, but great deal for $1.   I love Target's dollar section especially when it is clearanced. 

I can't wait to celebrate the 180th day of school!  :)

Sea World Free for Teachers & Preschoolers - FL

For the 14th year, SeaWorld Orlando offers a complimentary Teacher Study Pass to all active and certified K-12 Florida grade school teachers. The pass is valid for unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando through 12/31/2012.

All you have to do is take your Florida Teaching Certificate (we take a copy), Paycheck stub within last 30days, and Photo ID.  Go here for details.

Yay!  We LOVE this.  My husband and I are both teachers and we love going to Sea World.  My kids are too young to really enjoy the rides.  My daughter is just now starting to like the kiddie rides.  She was terrified of them all up until this past summer.  They love the shows and love looking at the animals.  It doesn't ever get old to them. 

There is also a free Preschool Pass for Sea World and Busch Gardens which is valid for children 5 and under.  Register Here.

Last year we bought my daughter the study pass, but now we can take her for free too.  My son is only 1 so he is already free.  We will definitely be taking advantage of this. Unlimited Sea World for just the cost of Parkin.  I wish they'd offer a parking pass.  That would be great. :)

Pillow Pets + book $10.99

I just decided my kids need a pillow pet and Amazon has two that are perfect for my kids on sale right now.  We should get them just in time with our Prime Shipping.

Look a "Lizard" for Bubby.  He LOVES lizards.  I know it's a Dragon, but he will think a lizard or dinosaur.  It's only $12.67 WITH a book!!

A unicorn for Sissy!  This one is only $10.99

I was just looking at them at Walmart and thought about paying full price $19.99 or getting the mini.  My daughter has wanted one for a year because of the wonderful commercials and catch tune. 

*****Spoiler Alert****  If you are reading Jason then stop here.  I don't think he does.

 I figured I would wait on getting one, but when I was at Walmart I saw this clearance for $10

It's a USF Bulls Pillow pet.  My husand just graduated with his Master's from USF and he also got his Undergrad from there.  I couldn't get Daddy a pillow put and not Sissy.  I almost bought a 2nd one for my sister who also graduated from USF 2 weeks ago.

Pink LeapPad in Stock @Amazon

This is the HOT Christmas item this year.  It has been sold out everywhere and is in stock on Amazon right now.  I don't know how long it will last.

My daughter got one for her birthday and LOVES hers.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Z7H15Q/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

Leapfrog Explorer Games $9.37!

ToysRus has Leapfrog Explorer games Buy1Get1 free @ 18.74 each.  This is an awesome deal.  I think I need to head out to my ToysRus and hope they have a decent stock left.  Plus if you are a member of the ToysRus rewards you get a free one if you buy 4.  Plus you get 10% back on everything purchased during the holiday season!

I did a quick google  search and found this:

 

You can have your order shipped for free with Shoprunner. Shoprunner offers a free 30 day trial, so sign up now and get these shipped to your house for free! Shoprunner includes free shipping to tons of stores including Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Timberland, Lord & Taylor, Domino’s Pizza and many more! This is a great time to start that trial so that you can pick up Black Friday, Cyber Monday and holiday offers and then be sure to cancel if the program is not for you!  Here

 

Well, apparently your mileage may vary.  They changed the sell to be online only which is almost sold out.

Gus Timer Night Light is half off

I bought one of these for Sissy a couple months ago and she LOVES it.  She has the purple one (which is sold out).  It is perfect for her.  She likes to use it while she "reads" at night and it sits in bed with her.  It's one of her "must haves" in bed.  We still haven't burned through the original batteries that we put in it.  Many times she changes the timer, so that it stays on.  I'm amazed at how long the battery has lasted.  When she got her big girl bed I made sure she had her Gus with her so she could see if she needed to get up to go "potty."  She even drew a picture of her turtle one day.  I think she loves it too much. :)

It is $9.99 right now on babyhalfoff and will probably only last the rest of the night.  They also have these cute sleep training alarm clocks on sale for $19.99.

Update - They may be sold out already.  Keep an eye on babyhalfoff.com because they may be back and they are awesome.  Someone posted on FB that they are worth the full price.  I agree, but half price is even better.

2 Years of Weight Watchers Magazine for over 85% off!

I saw this deal and may get it for myself!  I started Weight Watchers around Spring Break earlier this year and I've lost about 35lbs.  I haven't been consistent the whole time and really only maintained during the Summer (that's better than gaining like I have in the past).  I still haven't gotten consistent about doing Weight Watchers recently and I really need to get back on plan especially with the holidays coming up.  I have a lot more to lose...more than I'm willing to admit.  I'm signed up to use the weight watchers online and I've never been to a meeting, but it works for me.  I don't have time to go to a meeting.  Let me rephrase that, I don't want to sacrafice family time to go.  I love how Weight Watchers is not just low calorie, low fat, or low carbs (I've done those too).  It's a combination of all those (+ protein and fiber) to get your points.  I almost bought a magazine at the store the other day.  Now, I'm glad I waited.  Hopefully, reading the magazine will give me the motivation and strategies to get back on plan and start losing again.

Click Here for more info!

Tights on Totsy

I love these!  I think I need to invest in some of these tights for Sissy.  She is SO tall and then that I cannot find jeans that fit her right.  I've tried the adjustable waist and that helps to keep them from falling off, but they are so baggy when they fit for length.  If I get a few pairs of thick tights she could wear shorts/skirts in the cooler weather.  You know...those 2 weeks we get in FL.  :P

They are $7.75 on Totsy originally $16.  Check out these and other sales

Zumba Xbox 360 kinect $24.99

Total Price:

$24.99

List Price:

$49.99You Save 50%

Our Price:

$24.99 + FREE SHIPPING

Here

A lot of people I know rave about Zumba.  I've never tried it.  I worry that I would be embarrased by my lack of coordination and dance skills.  I'm a music teacher.  I'm supposed to have good rhythm.  For some reason it just doesn't transfer over to dancing for me.  I saw this deal and thought maybe I could try it at home where only my kid and DH can laugh at me. 

Girl and her doll...

My daughter got a cute outfit with a matching doll's outfit for Christmas last year.  She has to take that doll with her everywhere when she wears that outfit.  She LOVES it!  Zulily has some really gorgeous dresses and outfits on sale.  I'm SO tempted to buy one for her.

It's worth the $23 just for the dress! 

Go here for other outfits.